The improving awareness and desire of many Nigerians to partake in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, and by so doing, in the democratic procedure deserves maximum encouragement by all related agencies and non-governmental organizations.
For one, the awareness may signpost a significant departure from political complacency that seems to have been enthroned among the multitude for many reasons. And for another, it may mark the inception of a revolution for a deepened democracy with its appurtenances of people-oriented earnings.
Against this backdrop, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is in the right direction to have extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise indefinitely, until, in the words of its representative, all eligible Nigerians are registered.
Like revolution, elections in a democracy, are the festivities of the masses, the storage of popular independence.
The growing voter awareness in the country today seems to have answered a key question in the democracy audit posed by David Beetham, that is:
“to what extent do people have believed in the ability of the political systems to solve the main issues confronting society, and in their ability to control it?” This is why we commend the electorate for their knowledge of civic responsibility. Possibly this is Nigerians’ way of practicing democracy.